Home comforts under Stam’s reign

19 April 2017

15 wins from 22 so far…a Madejski Stadium record which is hard to beat!

Monday was the fifth anniversary of Reading winning promotion to the Premier League – Mikele Leigertwood’s winner against Nottingham Forest on 17th April 2012 was enough to secure a top two spot that memorable night under the lights at the Madejski.

That season, the Royals picked up 14 home wins – and went on to win the title!

Five years on and Jaap Stam’s Royals came from behind to beat Rotherham at home – picking up their 15th home win of the 2016-17 campaign to better that of their promoted predecessors!

The last time we had a better home record than this season was 11 years ago – Steve Coppell’s 106 record-breakers totted up an incredible 19 Madejski Stadium victories in 2005-6…despite losing their opening day game here against Plymouth Argyle of course!

But fifteen home wins is very rare – loyal Royals have certainly been treated to some fine, fine home form this season!

In 2000-01, the Royals secured 15 home wins in achieving a third-placed finish and reaching the play-offs under Alan Pardew.

And in 1993-94, we picked up 15 home wins en route to the Division Two title, pipping Port Vale to top spot. But both those seasons can be pipped to the post in 2016-17, should we secure three more points at home to Wigan on Saturday 29th April.

The last time 15 home wins was bettered, besides the Coppell-inspired promotion to the Premier League, was in 1985-86; Reading picked up 16 home wins in a Division Three title win – but again that tally can still be matched when we meet the Latics here in two weeks’ time!

Home comforts have been very much part of Jaap Stam’s first season at the helm, so renewing a Season Ticket for 2017-18 should be a very attractive prospect.

A big thank you to all who bought or renewed their seat for next season during our ‘Early Bird’ period which ended earlier this month. Sales of all new Season Tickets have ceased until the end of the current season – and prices could vary depending on what division we’re in when they go back on sale again later in the summer.

However, if you’re a current Season Ticket who hasn’t renewed yet, you have a little bit longer to guarantee you can keep the same seat for next season - up until 5pm on Friday 5th May, after which sales will close for all fans until further notice in the summer.

For full information about Season Tickets, including prices and how to buy, click here.